Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently participated in a wide-ranging interview with hosts Christina Greer and Harry Siegel, fulfilling a promise made in March of 2025 while polling at 1% in the Democratic primary. The interview took place in City Hall’s Blue Room on Thursday afternoon.
Mayor Mamdani Addresses Key Issues
During the conversation, Mayor Mamdani addressed a hypothetical scenario involving an ICE agent committing a murder, referencing an incident that reportedly occurred on Wednesday in Minneapolis. He stated, “If you violate the law, then you have to be held to account. And there’s no amount of mischaracterizations of what we all saw happen in Minneapolis that can tell us to believe anything other than our own eyes. And the horror of what we saw is not just in that murder. It’s also knowing that this is just a glimpse into what has been a year of cruelty.”
The mayor also responded to comments made by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who stated that the mayor and the NYPD “have not been productive” partners. Mamdani countered by emphasizing the importance of adhering to New York City’s laws, including its sanctuary city policies. He explained that ICE agents do not have the right to enter schools or city property without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
He further stated, “What I want my NYPD to do, and what I would also say my entirety of city government to do, is to follow the law… And I’m unsurprised to hear that this would be described as being unproductive when, in fact, it is just being clear about the fact that we do not want our city government… to be operating in violation to these laws.”
The interview concluded with a message directed toward Jewish New Yorkers, a demographic that polls indicate has been largely unconvinced by the mayor’s previous messaging. Mamdani highlighted his ability to translate rhetoric into action, citing the swift resolution of the Williamsburg Bridge bump issue as an example.
He stated, “For many New Yorkers, including many Jewish New Yorkers, rhetoric rings hollow when they hear it from politicians… And that is something that I think many are waiting for — to see, is it right to believe? Is it right to hope? And we’re going to show them that it is.” He also mentioned plans to increase investments in hate crime prevention programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What promise did Mayor Mamdani fulfill with this interview?
Mayor Mamdani fulfilled a promise he made in March of 2025, while at 1% in the Democratic primary polls, to give his first sit-down interview as mayor to FAQ NYC.
What did Mayor Mamdani say about the situation in Minneapolis?
Mayor Mamdani stated that if an ICE agent were to commit a murder, they should be held accountable, referencing an incident he said took place in Minneapolis. He emphasized the importance of believing “our own eyes” and acknowledged a broader pattern of “cruelty.”
What was Mayor Mamdani’s response to Secretary Noem’s comments?
Mayor Mamdani responded by stating his administration’s commitment to following the law, including New York City’s sanctuary city policies, and clarifying the rights of residents regarding ICE access to schools and city property.
As Mayor Mamdani begins to implement his policies, will his administration be able to balance local law enforcement priorities with potential challenges from federal authorities?
